The national Government has introduced the new legislation to try and ‘strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand’.

Herefordshire Council is encouraging residents affected to read up on the new regulations. Anyone renting a private property or room should be given a new fact sheet on their rights by their landlord, which is also available here on the gov.uk website.

Cllr Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Many individuals, couples, friends and families live in private rented accommodation right across the county. It’s an important part of our housing mix. We are keen to ensure renters get the rights they are entitled to, and that private landlords are aware of the new laws, and continue to play this vital role, as we all tackle the nationally recognised shortage of housing.”

Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services Cllr Barry Durkin said:

“The new Act gives added protection to people living in rented properties. We want to emphasise that renters have the right to enjoy a decent standard of accommodation – so if your rented housing is unacceptable, such as clear signs of mould, damp and safety or structural issues, please report it to your landlord, and if they don’t tackle it, report it to us. Our Environmental Health team can and will inspect properties and take strong enforcement action where needed. No-one should be living in sub-standard housing.”

Key features of the new Renters Rights Act are:

• No more ‘no-fault’ evictions – landlords in the private rented sector won’t be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
• End of fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on arrangements) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice as well.
• Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year, and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
• No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
• Maximum of one month’s rent to be paid upfront – landlords can’t ask for more.
• No discrimination – it’ll be illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have children
• Pets welcome – if renters ask to live with a pet, landlords must consider it fairly.

The new legislation means landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons – like selling up, moving in themselves, or tackling rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Durkin added:

“We believe the legislation offers the opportunity to embed good relationships between all tenants and landlords, including improved clarity and communications from the start. This can help prevent issues from escalating to the point where the Council needs to investigate and take enforcement action.”

Further potential changes are being developed by the Government including a Decent Homes Standard for private rented properties, a national database of landlords and housing, and a free national complaints service. More information at: Explainer: everything you need to know about the new Renters’ Rights Act – MHCLG in the Media

Council’s role in enforcing standards

Herefordshire Council has legal powers to enforce housing standards in private rentals, ensuring properties are safe and fit for human habitation. If landlords fail to address repairs, the Environmental Health team can issue improvement or emergency notices, or carry out works themselves and recover costs.

Residents in private rented homes experiencing poor housing conditions should firstly report issues in writing to their landlord. If they fail to act, they can complain to the Council’s Environmental Health service to get advice, or request an inspection and enforcement action by calling 01432 261761 or email ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk